WHAT An A**hole
(I work as a barista in my local grocery store. Often times when I’m getting stock and don’t have my apron on, or when I’m just somewhere else in the store, I still get asked questions by customers asking where things are. Since I don’t work as a clerk or checker, I don’t know as much about the store as they do, but I always try to answer to the best of my ability, or direct them to someone who knows more. One day, I am on my lunch break with my apron off, walking to the break room, all while texting on my phone. A couple approaches me. It should be noted that the man is a huge, muscular man roughly in his fifties, while I am a very tiny woman of 23.)
Woman: “EXCUSE ME!”
(I realize that she is talking to me and decide that I’ll be nice and help, rather than pointing out to them that I am on my break.)
Me: “Uh… yes?”
Woman: “Shouldn’t this product be on this aisle?”
Me: *confused* “What?”
Man: “Shouldn’t this product be on this aisle?” *points to aisle while shoving a newspaper in my face with a laundry detergent circled*
Me: “Yes, this aisle is for laundry and detergent, so it should be on this aisle or the next aisle. If you still can’t find it, a manager will be happy to help you find it.”
Man: *gets super close to me and into my face* “You do not say, ‘What?’ to a customer. You are in customer service! That is very rude, young lady. You do not say, ‘What!’ You say, ‘How may I help you?’!”
Me: *resisting the urge to say that I’m not even on the clock, since in our store all employees are supposed to act with proper conduct while in uniform, even on breaks* “Okay, I’m sorry, sir.”
Man: *as he walks away* “YOU DO NOT SAY, ‘WHAT?’ IN CUSTOMER SERVICE!”
Me: *dumbfounded*
This story is included in our Lunch Break story roundup!
Question of the Week
Have you ever met a customer who thought the world revolved around them?
